New Zealand Symphony cancels tour to record Hobbit soundtrack

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has cancelled its tour of New Zealand because it coincides with recording dates for the soundtrack to the second Hobbit movie.

The soundtrack for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug , composed by Howard Shore, follows the composer's score for the first Hobbit movie in 2012, which was recorded mostly outside of New Zealand.

The orchestra has cancelled September dates in Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland, and has stated that refunds will be available to those who have already bought tickets.

The soundtrack to the Hobbit film will be recorded in Wellington Town Hall. Chief executive of the NZSO Christopher Blake commented: "Recording film soundtracks requires particular focus and efficiency – our musicians have to play to the highest levels and often under significant time pressures. It’s a demanding process to be part of and we know our players will do a fantastic job."

Howard Shore's score for the original Lord Of The Rings trilogy (to which the Hobbit movies are sequels) won three Academy Awards and four Grammy awards upon their original release.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug will be released in December 2013.